WHAT'S GOING ON HERE ....

After the sunset last week I was able to get this awesome shot of the sky with the clouds and the city lights. 

I had a medical update post ready to go but decided to delete it. Haven't we had enough? I know I have! In just about six week it will be a year since my first x-ray on my left knee. One step forward and two steps back has been going on for far too long.

If all goes as planned and the hospital approves everything we actually have a date on my calendar. I am not giving it out but it is in the next few weeks. So keep me in your prayers. I am nervous and scared but I must trust in God's plan for me.

Actually that has been something that I have wondered about recently. Have all the roadblocks been set up by God telling me not to do it or is it just the way of the systems today?? I have several medical issues that make this surgery a bit of a risk but on the other hand the daily pain is a lot for me to bear. 

We had Adam and Gabby over for dinner on Saturday. We had a great time and we also got to Skype with Amber and Dylan. I made my Provolone Chicken casserole which was a hit, along with tater tots because Mark love them and we had sweet/sour cucumbers too. 

I made a few snacks before hand. One was onion dip so we could try the wavy Jay's potato chips and a Lemon Cream Pie Cheesecake Dip which was served with mini Nilla Wafers. Then for dessert I tried a new recipe called Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins which were so delicious. 

One day last week I made Vegan Stuffed Zucchini and I have to say they were delicious. I didn't make the vegan cheese sauce because I knew Mark wouldn't like it so I sprinkled some regular cheese on top to melt just before they were done. The stuffing is basically Mexican style. 

I am in week eleven of physical therapy. I certainly hope it helps with my recovery, that is the plan. I went to see Spiderman Homecoming on Tuesday and hope to see a movie today. I know I won't be going anytime soon after my surgery so I am going to push myself to see a few more. 

I think I am finally done with doctor's appointments for a few week. I had a steroid shot in my right knee and ankle and a chest x-ray on Monday. 

I looked back and I'm not sure I shared this with you but here it is: Arthroben for people who have osteoarthritis. I'm going to give it a try. It is safe for me with my other chronic illnesses.  The reviews I have read sound promising. It helps to build cartilage and collagen. 

Also July was ornament premiere at Hallmark. I missed having Amber there to help me look at each one to make sure they were perfect and of course Mark didn't want to join me. Here is the Dreambook if you are interested in seeing what they have this year. 

Believe it or not I did some major cutbacks this year in my purchasing. 

I also have a cut and color today after physical therapy which is very much needed.  This Saturday I am going with Gabby to a dress fitting for the wedding. Mark and Adam are going to hang out while we are gone and then we will all be going out for a late lunch. Something to look forward too!!

Last minute addition and yes it is about my medical stuff. Every way I turn I hit a roadblock. Got a call on Tuesday about a knee surgery class at the hospital that happens on Wednesday's from 10 to noon. Since the woman was leaving on vacation I needed to attend this class. I wasn't sure about going because I had an appointment there this Friday and it is a 45 minute ride and I was already there on Monday!! 

Anyway she informed me that I could do the stuff scheduled for Friday on Wednesday so I went to the meeting and I am so glad I did that. It was a great class with a lot of wonderful information. However when I went to do the paperwork for admission there were two more roadblocks which were taken care of but I think this will be the end of it except for one more blood test and a nasal test 72 hours before the surgery date.

Another issue that just happened yesterday is that we had an appointment for Skye at the vet because she has been unusually itchy since her haircut. We thought it was her allergies acting up. 

Mark ended up taking her because I had the last minute class and appointments to take care of. Turns out she got a bacterial infection from the new groomers tools. She is not going back to her! So she is on steroids for a month and antibiotics along with a special shampoo to be used twice a week until she is better.